Dealing with unwanted contact from a prisoner

he issue of unwanted contact from a prisoner can be a distressing experience, whether it involves persistent letters, phone calls, or indirect messages through third parties. Understanding your rights and the mechanisms in place to protect you is essential to addressing this issue effectively. This guide explores the options available to individuals dealing with unwanted contact from prisoners, including practical steps to stop the communication and the legal avenues for recourse.

Understanding prisoner communication rights

Prisoners in the UK are entitled to maintain contact with the outside world, but this is subject to strict rules and regulations. Communication methods available to prisoners typically include letters, monitored phone calls, and approved visitors. While these measures aim to support rehabilitation and maintain family ties, they are not intended to allow harassment or unwanted contact.

Prisoners can usually make phone calls during designated hours, which vary depending on the specific prison’s regime. Typically, calls are permitted between late morning and early evening. It’s important to note that all calls, except those to a prisoner’s legal representative, are monitored and recorded. This means authorities have the ability to track inappropriate or harassing behaviour via phone.If you’re receiving unwanted calls from a prisoner, it is vital to report them to the prison authorities immediately. Blocking the number or seeking advice on how to handle the situation can be part of the solution.

Unwanted contact from prisoners

Unwanted contact can take many forms, including:
‍
‍Phone Calls:
Persistent or harassing calls from a prisoner can be distressing. In some cases, prisoners may misuse their phone privileges to repeatedly contact individuals against their will.

‍Letters:
Written correspondence can be another form of unwanted communication. Letters may range from mildly intrusive to overtly threatening, causing emotional distress to the recipient.

‍Third-Party Messages:
Prisoners may use family members, friends, or associates to relay messages or continue harassment indirectly. This can make it harder to trace the origin of the unwanted contact.

‍Social Media and Online Harassment:
Although prisoners are not allowed to access social media directly, some may find ways to post messages through friends or associates, leading to indirect harassment.

The steps to report unwanted contact

Steps to Address Unwanted ContactIf you are dealing with unwanted contact from a prisoner, there are several steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Report the Issue to the Prison Authorities
The first step in dealing with unwanted contact is to notify the prison’s authorities. Provide them with as much information as possible, including details of the communication, dates, times, and any evidence you may have, such as recorded messages or copies of letters.Prisons have systems in place to monitor prisoners’ communications. Once an issue is reported, they can take action by restricting the prisoner’s contact list or even revoking their communication privileges entirely if rules have been breached.

2. Block Calls and Messages
If you are receiving persistent phone calls, contact your phone service provider to block the prisoner’s number. Many UK providers offer tools to help manage unwanted calls, including call blocking and reporting features.If the harassment continues via different numbers, you can also consider changing your own phone number, though this may not be a convenient option for everyone.

3. Seek Legal Advice
For ongoing or particularly distressing cases, seeking legal advice is a prudent step. Harassment laws in the UK provide protection against unwanted contact, and legal professionals can guide you on applying for measures such as restraining orders or injunctions. These orders can prohibit the prisoner from attempting to contact you directly or indirectly.

4. Engage with Support Services
Dealing with unwanted contact from a prisoner can be emotionally taxing. Reaching out to support organisations can provide valuable guidance and reassurance. Organisations like Victim Support or the National Stalking Helpline can offer advice tailored to your situation.

Legal protections in the UK

UK law provides several avenues for individuals facing harassment or unwanted contact from a prisoner:

The Harassment Act 1997
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is designed to protect individuals from unwanted and persistent behaviour that causes alarm or distress. This law applies to all forms of communication, including phone calls, letters, and online messages.

Under this act, you can:
- Apply for a restraining order to prevent further contact.
- File a complaint with the police, who can investigate and take action if the prisoner’s behaviour constitutes harassment.
- Prison Rules and PrivilegesPrisoners who misuse their communication privileges can face internal disciplinary measures, such as losing their right to make phone calls or send letters.

Repeated violations can also affect their eligibility for parole or other privileges.Victims’ Right to InformationThe Victim Contact Scheme (VCS) allows victims of crime to receive updates about the offender, including any changes to their prison status. Through the VCS, you can request to be informed if the prisoner’s privileges are adjusted or if they are moved to a different facility.

Balancing rights and safety

While dealing with unwanted contact, it is important to recognise the balance between a prisoner’s rights to rehabilitation and the safety and well-being of individuals outside the prison. Communication is often a vital part of rehabilitation, helping prisoners maintain family connections and prepare for reintegration into society. However, these rights should never come at the expense of someone else’s safety or peace of mind.

A few things to think about

Preventative MeasuresTo minimise the risk of unwanted contact, consider the following preventative measures:

‍Restrict Personal Information:
Be cautious about sharing personal details online or with individuals who may have connections to the prisoner.

‍Request Address Withholding:
If you have been a victim of a crime, you can request that your address and contact information be withheld from the prisoner.

‍Screen Calls:
Use tools such as caller ID and voicemail to screen incoming calls, especially if you suspect the prisoner may attempt to contact you.

‍Monitor Social Media Privacy:
Ensure your social media accounts are set to private, and avoid sharing location details or other identifying information publicly.

Seeking closure

Dealing with unwanted contact from a prisoner can be a difficult and prolonged experience, but taking the right steps can help you regain a sense of control and security. Whether through reporting the behaviour, blocking communication, or seeking legal recourse, you have options to protect yourself.For those who have missed a call from someone in jail and are unsure about the context, it’s important to distinguish between unwanted contact and legitimate attempts to reconnect for constructive reasons. Understanding the systems in place for prisoner communication can help you navigate these situations effectively.

Unwanted contact from a prisoner is a serious issue that requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. By understanding your rights, reporting the behaviour, and leveraging the support systems available, you can address the situation effectively. Remember, no one should have to endure harassment or feel unsafe due to unwelcome communication.For those experiencing such challenges, organisations dedicated to victim support and the UK prison system’s internal safeguards are there to help. Balancing the rehabilitation needs of prisoners with the rights of individuals outside the system is a complex but essential task, and your safety and peace of mind should always come first.